The Lagos Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned 16 additional Chinese nationals before Justice Daniel Osiagor of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, on charges of cyber-terrorism, internet fraud, and financial crimes.
The suspects, identified as Hu Hui (a.k.a A Bin), Liao Ri Xing (a.k.a. Li Jun), Li Qiang (a.k.a. Yang Huan Huan), A Wen, Da Tou, Cheng Jian, Cong Bing, Fei Fan, Huxi Heng, Zheng Wei (a.k.a. A Hong), Huang Zhi, Zhang Lei, Sun Zhi Peng, Huang Jin Hui, Wù Hao, and Lu Qiang, were part of the 792-member cryptocurrency investment and romance fraud syndicate arrested by EFCC operatives on December 10, 2024, in an intelligence-driven sting operation codenamed “Eagle Flush Operation.”
The EFCC charged them separately with offenses related to cybercrimes, possession of fraudulent documents, advance fee fraud, identity theft, and cyber-terrorism. Prosecutors allege that the suspects accessed computer systems to destabilize and disrupt Nigeria’s economic and social structures.
One of the charges against Li Qiang reads:
“That you, Li Qiang (a.k.a Yang Huan Huan) and Genting International Co. Ltd, sometime in December 2024 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did access a computer system for the purpose of destabilizing and destroying the economy and social structure of Nigeria, thereby committing an offense contrary to and punishable under Section 18(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act 2015.”
Similarly, Hu Xi Heng faces an identical charge for his alleged role in the operation.
Upon arraignment, all 16 defendants pleaded “not guilty.” Prosecuting counsel Nnaemeka Omewa urged the court to set a trial date and requested their remand in a correctional facility. Justice Osiagor adjourned the case until June 23, 2025, for trial and ordered that the defendants remain in custody until then.
The case has sparked intense reactions on social media. Some users speculated that the arrested individuals might not be Chinese but North Koreans traveling on forged Chinese passports. In response to a tweet suggesting this, the EFCC replied:
“It seems you know more about them… hmmmm… kindly provide more details.”
Meanwhile, Nigerians have commended the EFCC for its efforts. A user, @OlakunleBankol5, wrote:
“I’m glad to see @officialEFCC working hard to prosecute these rascals! No room for cyber-terrorism and fraud anymore. It’s a new dawn in Nigeria with Olukoyede running the show!”
The EFCC has assured Nigerians that it remains committed to dismantling cybercrime syndicates and protecting the country’s digital and financial integrity.
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